YHS culinary class cooks meals for seniors in need

Culinary arts classes are a recent addition to the Yreka High School's curriculum, but the program is already doing its fair share, helping feed seniors in need this holiday season.

Teaming up with the Rotary Club and Madrone Hospice, the culinary arts class hopes to feed more than 150 seniors at the Rotary's Thanksgiving Day meal, according to YHS Principal Marie Caldwell.

For two weeks, the students have been preparing rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauces, yam casseroles, green bean casseroles and pumpkin muffins to support the charitable dinner.

"I absolutely love teaching culinary arts class," said Cheri Yates, who, along with her husband, owned Yreka Bakery from 1996-99. "It's a brand new program, and we're hoping it will grow in the coming years."

Yates said Rotary was a big sponsor for getting the program up and running two years ago, and the organization recently donated another $2,000.

Yates said the program has not finished developing its curriculum, but she is hoping that by next year culinary arts will be fully up and running.

When that happens, Yates said, the program will be approved by the National Restaurants Association and accredited by many national culinary institutes. In addition, it will provide students a chance to receive scholarships, gain entry-level positions in the job market and even take an exam to add credentials to their resume.

"We're hoping to have a curriculum that allows the students to enter the workforce after the whole two-year program," Yates said.

Each activity for the class includes the time for preparation, cooking and cleanup, teaching the students all the aspects of cooking in a restaurant as well as recipes for entrees and desserts.

Evan Hoy said he wants to be a prep cook and noted the usefulness of learning sanitary practices and food safety along with the cooking basics.

Kira Martenson said, "I took it because we do a lot of catering in this class." She added that she appreciated the advanced learning and wants to go to culinary school when she graduates.

Kori Huff and Rily Copper of the Special Day class both said they enjoyed learning to cook and doing it with their friends.

"What a great thing it is for kids to learn cooking skills and the difference between preparing a meal and just grabbing fast food," said Adehl Williams, teacher's assistant for Special Day Class.